A Duke Is Always Intrigued

A Duke Is Always Intrigued

Copyright © 2023 Rebecca Wood. All rights reserved.

ISBN 978-1-66789-513-0 (Print)

ISBN 978-1-66789-514-7 (eBook)

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted

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the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews

and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places,

events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination

or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons,

living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Epilogue

Chapter One

London 1814

The ballroom of Redfield House was the crush he had expected and everything he was beginning to detest about the London season. Ian McDonough, Duke of Sunbridge had arrived in London three days earlier from his home in the Scottish Highlands. During the previous two seasons, he had made some good friends and connected with his cousin Persephone, the Duchess of Hawksford. And while he enjoyed the pleasures of London and the excitement of the season, this year something seemed missing.

He had accepted the Redfield’s invitation upon returning to London, but after spending most of the evening fending off a cavalcade of unmarried ladies, and their eager mothers, he was beginning to wish he had skipped the London season this year and stayed at McDonough Castle.

This would be his third season in London and while he had made some good friends and developed a reputation that would make his father blush, he had not fulfilled his mother’s one desire of finding an English bride. Not that he had spent any time looking for one either. His English mother had married his Scottish father and while he felt as if he were Scottish through and through, his mother had tried her best to pass along as many English traits to him as possible. He had been educated in both Edinburgh and Oxford and while his Scottish brogue was strong, he found that he fit in quite well with his English family and friends.

He spent a lot of time while in London with his cousin Persephone and her husband, the Duke of Hawksford, and through that acquaintance, he had also met his good friends, the Duke of Leicester, the Duke of Avanley, and the newest duke recently added to the British aristocracy, his friend Camden Davenport, the new Duke of Stafford, a title graciously bestowed upon him by the Prince Regent in recognition of his heroism in service to the crown. In other words, for all the dangerous espionage he had been involved in for the British in the war against Bonaparte and the French.

He took a glass of champagne from the tray of a passing footman and observed the mass of dancers swirling past him as he stood on the edge of the ballroom. He lifted the glass to his lips when he caught sight of a young lady in a blue dress skirting the edge of the room as if she were trying to remain undetected. He watched as she moved from a semi-hidden corner looking behind her as if she were hoping not to be seen. Now his curiosity was peeked. Even from across the room he could see that she was quite lovely and since a lady with her looks would have caught his notice, he surmised that she must be new to London.

He couldn’t help but chuckle as she bumped into one of Redfield’s enormous potted plants, almost knocking it over before hurrying from the ballroom and out one of the terrace doors. His instincts told him to follow so he made his way around the room slowly so as not to draw attention to himself and went through the open terrace doors out to the gardens.

The cool air felt refreshing after being in the crush of the hot overly crowded ballroom. He leaned over the railing as the soft strains of music drifted onto the terrace where he stood looking out over the gardens. He scanned the area but there was no sight of the girl. He took a deep breath of the cool night air and exhaled noisily, irritated that he had lost sight of his quarry so quickly.

With the disappearance of the mysterious lady from the ballroom, Ian sighed heavily wondering if he had spent enough time at the Redfield’s ball that he could leave without insulting his hosts. Davenport, Duke of Stafford would be at the infamous gaming hell The Devil’s Lair tonight with their mutual friend and proprietor, Benedict Kingston and if he could manage to leave the ball without garnering too much attention, he would be able to join them before seeking more pleasurable pursuits at Madame Laurent’s parlor. There was a pretty little flower of the demi monde that had caught his eye last season, and he thought tonight would be a good time to see if she was willing to further their acquaintance.

It shouldn’t be too hard to make his escape. He would go seek out Hawk and Persephone and say his goodbyes to them before finding his hosts, and then he could make his way to The Lair for a hand of cards and some good brandy. He straightened and was just turning to head back inside to the ballroom when out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of light blue silk moving behind one of the large flowering bushes in Redfield’s garden. His inquisitive nature was again piqued. He made his way down the steps of the terrace and headed toward the lane where he spotted the mysterious lady. He hesitated for a moment and turned to start back to the house thinking he would probably just be disrupting a tryst between a young lord and his lady love. He had only taken two steps back toward the house when he heard the bush rustle again, and he couldn’t seem to help himself, he had to discover who was behind the tête-à-tête. He moved closer and peered through the branches to see her crouched down trying to hide as best she could. He grinned as her eyes widened at the sight of him.

Good evening, madam.

She looked up, her face plainly showing her irritation at being discovered. Would you please go away?

He was taken aback by her demand, but he wasn’t about to leave without discovering the reason behind this mystery. He continued to tower over her and put his hands on his hips as he leaned closer. Do you always make it a habit to hide in the shrubbery at balls or is it simply reserved for this particular evening? Being from Scotland, I am not familiar with all the Sassenach customs.

The lights from the lanterns in the garden were dim, but he could faintly see her eyes narrow as she peered up at him. For heaven’s sake, would you just go away!

Ian chuckled at her displeasure and decided to press her further. I am simply curious, back home in the Highlands, we don’t usually find pretty lasses hiding in the gardens. Were you waiting for a lover perhaps, some lucky young gentleman who you could drag off into the bush with you?

He watched her as she looked away toward the house, and then as quick as a wink, she grabbed his hand and pulled him back behind the shrub with her. Now he was intrigued, it had only been a jest, but if she wished to take advantage of him, far be it from him to stop her.

I see… his words were cut off when she quickly covered his mouth with her hand.

Be quiet and scoot closer so you aren’t seen.

Ian obliqued moving closer to her and wrapping an arm around her waist. He felt her stiffen, and she immediately turned irate eyes to him, but she did not say a word. Then he saw the reason for her decision to stay out of sight. Young Lord Phillip Cranston came lurking through the gardens, and it was obvious that he was looking for someone, the lady in question he presumed. From the way she crouched lower, he felt he had discovered exactly the reason for her concealment. He watched her face and didn’t bother to remove her hand from where it still covered his mouth, as if she could keep him silent if he truly wanted to call out, but this encounter was the most amusing thing he had experienced since arriving in London, and he simply had to wait and see how this all played out.

Lord Cranston continued to look around the garden for a few more minutes before finally giving up and returning inside to the ballroom. Once he disappeared inside, the lovely lady beside him relaxed and removed her hand from his mouth before she tried to move away from him. Ian quickly looked around to make certain they would not be discovered by anyone, and then stood, helping her to her feet.

She brushed off her skirts before turning to look up at him. There was not a lot of light in the gardens, but even through the darkness, he could see that she was an exceptionally lovely woman.

Excuse me, but I must make my way back inside before my absence is noted. She made to move around him, but there was no way he was going to let her escape without an explanation or her name.

His lips turned up on one corner as he held onto her arm. I think you at least owe me an explanation especially since you took me hostage and held me against my will.

She placed her hands on her hips and a cheeky smile on her lips. I hardly think you were a hostage, but I do appreciate you not giving away my hiding place. I am not fool enough to realize that if you had wished it, you could have shown yourself, and as a result, Lord Cranston would have found me, and I would have had to spend another night listening to him drone on and on about his love of poetry and his estate near Brighton, not to mention his obsession with cake.

Ian’s eyebrows rose slightly. Cake?

Her smile spread wider, and he could see her eyes twinkle in the moonlight. Yes, apparently he insists on having cake every day, all flavors and varieties. She laughed softly. You would think after eating that much cake, he would be bigger. As it is, he is as thin as a stick.

Ian couldn’t help but be fascinated by this woman. When she turned to walk away again, he reached out and took her hand. I haven’t seen you in London before, what’s your name?

For a moment she looked at him suspiciously then said in a soft lilting voice, I’m Miss Emma Presley, I am visiting London with my uncle and aunt Viscount and Viscountess Yelverton. She moved to walk away from him again, and Ian once again had to stop her.

I am most pleased to meet you, Miss Presley. I am… Mr. Ian McDonough. He didn’t know why he kept his title secret from her, but he had a feeling that if he had immediately told her who he really was it would have scared her off, and he had made up his mind already that he would seek her out again at some point this season.

She once again graced him with a beautiful smile. I am pleased to meet you, Mr. McDonough, and thank you once again for your assistance.

This time when she turned to leave, he let her go. He watched as she made her way back into the ballroom. Perhaps it wasn’t a good idea to leave the ball so early. Miss Emma Presley could make this season much more interesting. He decided to go find Persephone, if anyone knew anything about London’s new arrival, it would be his cousin the Duchess of Hawksford.

Emma Presley made her way back over to the side of the ballroom where her aunt was sitting talking to some of the other older ladies and dowagers. She scarcely noticed her arrival and only briefly glanced in her direction. Her aunt and uncle were not unkind to her, but it was obvious that they would rather the burden of her care fall to someone else. They did not make it a secret that they wished to join their daughter in America as soon as they could see her settled. She stood against the wall as the throng of dancers moved across the floor. Her being new to London, she didn’t know anyone other than her family and Lord Cranston, to whom she had been introduced not long after her arrival in town. The fact that she was a poor relation with a pitiful dowry and no connections certainly didn’t make her sought after by the many gentlemen of the ton. Of course, she had danced a few dances, but most gentlemen didn’t bother pursuing her due to her circumstances and lack of fortune. Her eyes scanned the ballroom and instantly set upon the gentleman from the garden across the room. His eyes met hers briefly before a couple moved to stand in front of him. When the couple moved away, he was no longer there. She sighed heavily and looked toward the refreshment table.

Aunt Millie, would you like for me to get you something to drink? It is getting a bit warm in here.

Her aunt waved her away. No, thank you, dear, but by all means go, mingle with others your age. You will never find a husband or friends if you don’t stop hovering behind me.

Emma smiled at her aunt’s comment and made her way to get a glass of lemonade. When she reached the table, she was startled by the deep Scottish voice behind her. I wanted to let you know that I believe I saw Lord Cranston leave out the front doors a few minutes ago. I think you will be safe for the remainder of the night.

She turned around and smiled up at him. That is a relief. She sipped her lemonade and glanced toward the dance floor. If you had not said so already, your deep Scottish accent would have given your homeland away, Mr. McDonough. Have you moved to London permanently from Scotland?

He moved to stand beside her. Nay, lass, I am only in London for the season.

She smiled back at him. The London season is rather daunting, isn’t it? If one is easily intimidated, that is.

Her comment caused him to look at her curiously. Am I to assume that you are not easily intimated, Miss Presley?

She laughed softly and turned her face back up to him. I have no reason to be. The ball might be full of all sorts of notable members of the beau monde, but I am unlikely to attract their attention. I am simply a bystander, scarcely noticed, so therefore there is no reason for me to be intimidated.

He thought her comment especially odd, and he watched her as she looked at the couples taking their places on the dance floor as the orchestra began to tune their instruments preparing for the next waltz. Have you been given the nod to waltz by the patronesses of Almacks, lass?

Her head jerked up at his words. I certainly have.

He reached over and plucked her glass from her hand to place it on the tray of a passing footman, and then took her hand. Would you do me the honor then, Miss Presley?

She nodded with a charming smile and he led her further onto the dance floor. She had danced a few times at other balls, and even once or twice this evening, but no one had ever asked her to waltz. She hoped she remembered the steps and didn’t embarrass herself. She sucked in her breath as he wrapped his arm around her pulling her closer. He was incredibly tall and broad-shouldered. It was like trying to dance with a mountain. She placed her hand in his and looked up into his eyes as the music began to play. At first, she felt a sense of panic because she wasn’t sure she could concentrate on the steps and keep looking into his deep brown eyes at the same time, but there was no reason for her to worry because when the music began, he swept her into his arms and her feet barely touched the floor as he expertly moved her through the dance.

You have done this many times before, Mr. McDonough.

He raised one eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders slightly as he pulled her a bit closer. I may have danced a few times.

Her soft laughter floated up to him. A few times? I think you are not being quite honest with me. I think you are a most proficient dancer. They must dance often in the Highlands.

For a minute he thought she must have figured out his identity, but thankfully she was just referring to his dancing skills. I have done my fair share. Tell me about yourself. Where do you come from, Miss Presley?

She craned her neck a bit more to look up at him. I live in Somerset. My father was a baron, an impoverished baron I might add, and since his death two years ago, I have resided with my uncle and aunt. This is my first time coming to London, and I am extremely glad to be here.

Are you hoping to find a husband this season? He held her hand a bit tighter as he twirled her faster.

A husband? No, I am not. Besides, a girl like me doesn’t expect a string of marriage proposals.

His lips turned into a straight frown. Whatever would make you think that? You must realize that you are exceptionally lovely.

She blushed and looked down briefly to avoid his gaze. You are too kind, Mr. McDonough. It is not my appearance that men object to, it is my lack of fortune. I am a poor girl from the country that just happens to be lucky enough to get an invitation to visit London with her uncle, but I am not the kind of girl that attracts the attention of an earl or a duke. I probably will not even meet anyone so distinguished.

I wouldn’t be so certain, Miss Presley. The music ended, and he escorted her back to the side of the dance floor. Thank you for the dance. I do hope we see each other again while you are in London.

She once again gave him that brilliant smile that reached her eyes and bobbed a small curtsy. Thank you, Mr. McDonough, and perhaps we will see each other again. She walked away to rejoin her aunt, and he made his way to where Hawk and Persephone were waiting for him.

Ian moved slyly so Miss Presley would not see him. He didn’t want her to know that he was on intimate terms with the Duke and Duchess of Hawksford, and it would be all too easy for someone to point that out to her if she saw him talking to them.

She is very pretty, Ian but I haven’t seen her before, and I don’t know anything about her, Persephone said once he approached them.

Ian looked back to where Miss Presley stood behind her aunt. She is new to London and is here with her uncle and aunt the Viscount and Viscountess Yelverton.

Hawk arched his eyebrows. Unfortunately, I do not know her uncle either. We obviously would not move in the same circles.

Can you try to find out as much as you can, Persephone, without drawing too much attention? She doesn’t know I am a duke.

Persephone’s eyes opened wider as she regarded her cousin. Who exactly did you tell her you were?

I just said I was Mr. McDonough, I was afraid if she knew my rank, it would frighten her. That is the last thing I want to do if I wish to find out more about the lass.

Persephone’s smile grew wider as she tried to peer through the crowd at the young woman her cousin had developed an interest in. I will do what I can, Ian.

Hawk shook his head and sighed heavily. I hope you realize what you have just set in motion. My wife does not need any encouragement. She sees herself as a matchmaker already.

Ian frowned at Hawk. I don’t need a matchmaker. I am simply curious. He glanced over at his cousin. Persephone, I just want information, nothing more. Don’t do anything else.

Persephone put a hand over her heart in mock surprise. Ian, I would never do anything that you would not approve of.

He closed his eyes for just a moment and his frown deepened. Sure, just like what you did to Avanley and Bella?

She shrugged her shoulders and tilted her head. That was necessary. Charles got exactly what he deserved and now he is thankful for my interference. Just ask him.

Ian didn’t need to ask, he knew Charles, the Duke of Avanley was completely in love with his wife Isobel. He had been with him when he had traveled halfway to Scotland looking for her when she left London thinking he desired an annulment.

Just be discreet, Persephone.

His cousin grinned as she placed a hand on his sleeve. Of course, Ian. She will not suspect a thing. I will find Catherine and see if she can help me find out something about her.

Ian threw his head back to stare at the ceiling. Not Catherine, for God’s sake, she will just walk right up to her and begin an interrogation. But it was too late. Persephone was already making her way through the crowd.

Hawk’s hand fell heavy on his shoulder. Come on, let’s find a card room somewhere. I could use a drink as well.

Ian nodded and followed Hawk from the ballroom leaving Persephone behind to discover what she could about Miss Emma Presley. He hoped he had not made a mistake by asking for her help, but he knew he would see the lady again, and when he did, he would like to have the advantage of knowing as much as he could about the lass and her circumstances.

Emma found herself scanning the ballroom for the sinfully handsome Mr. McDonough. He was the first gentleman she had met in London who did not make her cringe or whom she did not find incredibly tedious and self-important. The fact that he was as big as a mountain and had the most wonderful Scottish brogue just added to his charm. She would have to make sure that when she wrote her letter to her friend Abigail back home, she told her about him. The chances of meeting him again were slim, but at least she had something interesting to write about. Up until now, it had been nothing but boring teas and garden parties. Her aunt and uncle were not important enough to be invited to some of the loftier parties and balls held by the higher-ranking nobility.

Right now, everyone in the ton was talking about the masquerade ball that was to be given by the three Duchesses of Hawksford, Avanley, and Leicester. She would love to be able to attend, but she was quite certain that they would not receive an invitation. The ball was in two weeks’ time and every day she checked for an invitation to arrive, but to her regret, it had not. She turned to walk back toward the terrace when she bumped into Lord Cranston.

Miss Presley, I have been looking for you. He offered her his arm and she hesitantly placed her hand on his elbow. Have you been to the refreshment table this evening? They have a lovely lemon cake filled with custard.

Emma rolled her eyes to the ceiling. No, my lord I have not really developed an interest in cake.

He looked at her strangely as if he couldn’t understand how anyone could have such an opinion. I have been working on a new poem. Would you like to hear it?

She looked around hoping to find some means of escape. I’m sorry, my lord but will you please excuse me? I am feeling a bit under the weather, and I think I should get some air.

Ah, I will escort you outside to the terrace then.

No! he jumped at her sudden proclamation, and Emma searched for the words to explain herself and to be rid of the man. I think it would be best if I went there alone. I feel rather sick you see. She reached up and covered her mouth and hoped she looked ill.

Her ruse was successful, Lord Cranston immediately stepped away and put a handkerchief up to his mouth and nose, as if he were trying to ward away any illness she might pass along to him. Certainly, perhaps another night then. I hope you regain your health soon, Miss Presley. He bowed at the waist and quickly walked away.

Emma sighed with relief and slowly made her way to the open terrace doors. It was a cool night and the air felt fresh. As she stood off to the side of the doors, she thought about her time in London. When her uncle had told her that they would be coming to town for the season, she had immediately thought it would be one big adventure after another, but it had not been anything as she expected. Her lack of fortune and the lack of importance of her family seemed to make her almost invisible to the rest of the beau monde. If she could just manage to meet more people, perhaps she would be invited to more fun parties and balls. She needed to make friends, but how was she to do that? She didn’t have use of a horse, so riding in the park was out of the question. She didn’t have the money to stroll along Bond Street and mingle with the ladies there shopping for new gowns. What could she do to get noticed? The season had just begun, but if she didn’t change her circumstances soon, it would be over before she knew it, and then she would be stuck in Somerset dreaming of what could have been. No, if she was going to have an adventure, she was going to have to take matters into her own hands.

Chapter Two

The next morning, Ian decided to forgo his usual ride through the park and make a visit to see Persephone and Hawk hoping his cousin might have found out more information about Miss Presley. Even after leaving the festivities behind, thoughts of the lady continued to plague his mind. It was because of his distraction that he lost a good bit of money to his friend Camden Davenport last night at The Devil’s Lair and that was not like him.

When he rode up in front of Hawksford House, a groom came to the head of his horse as he jumped down before making his way up the stone steps to the large front door which was opened promptly by Hawk’s ever-efficient butler, Billings.

Good morning, Billings. Is his grace available?

Billings bowed before taking his coat. The duke and duchess are in the dining room, your grace. Shall I announce you?

Yes, please.

He followed Billings down the long hallway toward the dining room, where he was promptly announced. As he entered the room, he was surprised to see not only Hawk and Persephone but also Hawk’s sister Catherine Shelbourne, Duchess of Leicester as well.

Good morning, Ian. You are out and about early this morning. Catherine said cheerfully as he moved toward the table.

Ian smiled as he took a seat beside her. As are you, Catherine. Where is Leicester this morning?

Catherine chuckled softly. He is still abed, but I have become an early riser as of late so I decided to join Hawk and Persephone for breakfast.

Ian nodded slightly. I too am an early riser. It’s a habit I have cultivated since being in London. Although, I normally take a ride through the park before it becomes too congested or visit Kingston at the Lair to see how he fared from the night before.

Hmm, is there a reason you have chosen to forgo your usual activities to join us for breakfast, or did you simply miss our company? Hawk asked as he eyed his friend over the paper he was reading.

Persephone nodded for the footmen to set a plate before him. Leave him alone, Hawk. We are always happy to have you here with us, Ian. Cook made her special lemon sweet cakes this morning for Catherine. You should try some.

He took a bite of the sweet pastry noting how it seemed to melt in his mouth. He would have to bribe Hawk’s cook to give him the recipe. Hawk paid her well so it was doubtful that he could entice her away from Hawksford House.

Did you happen to find out any more about Miss Presley?

Persephone sent a sly grin in Catherine’s direction before responding. "Unfortunately, neither Catherine nor I could